Five Points and Garnett MARTA stations are getting makeovers - and you can help
‘The stations and their environs should be the most inviting, engaging and immaculate places in the neighborhood’
- MARTA
- Time for a facelift!
MARTA’s Five Points and Garnett rail stations in Downtown are in need of a makeover. Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District want to revitalize the rail stops, including MARTA’s flagship hub where all lines meet.
And the organizations are asking for the public’s help.
The two stops, says Jennifer Ball, CAP’s vice president of planning and economic development, are “important to the continued revitalization of the South Downtown neighborhood that is undergoing significant change due to the influx of artists and arts organizations and the redevelopment of Underground Atlanta.”
Residents, businesses, and workers are being asked to participate in an interactive survey and offer ideas. On Tuesday, planners will be at the Garnett Station from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. to gather input. The event follows last week’s survey at Five Points Station.
Ball says train riders and surrounding neighbors are the best sources of input about what the station needs. She says “the makeover effort will identify creative, cost-effective and maintainable enhancements.” Renovations will be related to aspects such as retail, public art, seating, landscaping, and bicycle amenities.
“The stations and their environs should be the most inviting, engaging and immaculate places in the neighborhood so that they can attract more, and better serve transit riders while also catalyzing private investment in surrounding buildings and sites,” Ball says.
CAP and ADID announced a call for design proposals in March and chose the design firm TSW to help envision the makeover. The project is set to be completed before July 2015.
Improving the stations may also help MARTA expand the system. By upgrading the stations and making MARTA a more enjoyable experience, the transit system could attract more riders. That would generate more money, and in turn, potentially help MARTA secure funding for expanding the transit network in the future.
MARTA riders and others who are unable to attend the interactive surveys but have ideas for improvement can participate online now through Nov. 21. You can access it here. The public can also offer suggestions via social media. See an issue at a station that should be addressed by the makeover team? Snap a photo and use #MARTAmakeover to join the conversation.